Very much a part of Prague culture, the Prague Christmas markets (called "Vanocni trh") give you a chance to buy some unique gifts this Christmas. This year's Prague Christmas market will start from the 25th of November (2006) and run up to the 1st of January (2007).

The Prague Christmas markets are held at various locations across the city (the main ones are at Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square) and are made up of colorful wooden huts selling a wide range of products including wooden toys, jewellery, local handicrafts and plenty of puppets in keeping with the country's proud puppetry tradition. The markets open around 9 AM and go on until about 7 PM.

Obviously the Prague Christmas market would not be the same without its food and drinks stalls which give you a chance to sample local cuisine. Don't forget to try some warm honey liquor ("medovina") or hot wine ("svarene vino") which will no doubt help to enhance your Prague experience.

The Prague Christmas market held at the Old Town Square is a good place to start. Apart from many local stalls (near the Jan Hus statue), you will also find a quite magnificent Christmas tree which makes an awesome sight at night when it is lit up. Kids will love the Old Town Square's mini zoo where you can pet sheep and even take a pony ride, while the traditional Bethlehem manger display and the sweet sounds of songs sung by school children make this an extra special Christmas market. Other smaller Christmas markets can be found at Havelske Trziste and Namesti Republiky.

The Prague Christmas markets are a definite must if you are visiting the Czech Republic during December and give you a chance to enjoy a truly unique and special Christmas away from home.

Known as the "city of a hundred spires", Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic and boasts of a rich cultural heritage. Situated close to the Vltava River, Prague has a variety of museums, galleries and theaters which give you a chance to appreciate this ancient culture.

Declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Prague's historic center is a good place to start your adventures. Apart from the Old Town Square which dates back to the 12th century, Prague Castle and the old Jewish quarter are also worth visiting as they are very much a part of the city's history.

In order to get a clearer picture of Prague history you should visit the National Museum (Vaclavske namesti, 68) where you will find all manner of exhibits and relics which bear testament to the country's origins. Other museums worth visiting include the Puppet Museum (Karlova, 12) and the Museum of Communism (Na prikope, 10) which looks back at "life" under Soviet rule.

Prague is also home to the National Gallery collection which is showcased in 6 separate venues including the Convent of St. Agnes of Bohemia (U Milosrdnych, 17) which is only a 10 minute walk from the Old Town Hall. Art lovers should make time to visit the Picture Gallery of Prague Castle as well.

Another great way to experience Prague culture is by taking in a traditional theater production. The National Theater (Narodni triad, 2) showcases some remarkable ballet and drama performances, while the Prague State Opera and the Marionette Theater (Karlova, 12) which keeps alive the over 200 year traditions of puppetry are also worth visiting.

A visit to Prague is to experience a culture and traditions of a people who won their freedom after years of hardship under foreign rule and who have begun to rewrite a new chapter in their history.

To visit the Czech Republic is to step back in time and experience a grand and somewhat bloody history which spans over 1,500 years. To truly appreciate your visit to Prague it is important that you understand a little of the Czech Republic's recent past which has shaped this proud nation and its people.

Following World War I, the Czech Republic became well known for its skilled workmanship and production of steel (including military weaponry). However, this prosperity soon attracted the unwanted attention of one Adolf Hitler who invaded the Czech Republic (on March 14, 1939) during World War II. It goes without saying that under the Nazi rule the citizens (including many Jews) underwent immense suffering. Even though independence was gained for a brief period following the end of World War II, the country soon fell under the iron hand of Soviet rule which lasted for 40 years. After much hardship and struggle the Czech Republic became an independent nation on January 1st, 1993.

The scars of these long and harsh years are apparent in the places you will see and the people you will meet as it is very much a part of their lives and their history.

Attractions which are a part of Czech culture and history worth visiting include the old city centre, the Charles Bridge (remember to rub the statute of St. Jan Nepomucky for good luck!), the awesome Prague Castle and its St. Vitus' Cathedral, the old Jewish quarter (called Josefov) with its Jewish Museum and Old Jewish Cemetery, the National Museum and the Museum of Communism where one can learn about life under the former Soviet Union.

One of the most picturesque cities in Europe, Prague offers you a chance to not only experience its colourful culture, but also appreciate the freedom we readily take for granted.